Joy of the season will continue

The gifts are open, the paper discarded. The stockings are empty, again. Christmas is over.

Wednesday, the countdown begins again.

But, because of your generous donations to The Empty Stocking Fund, the joy of the season will continue to help families after the tree and the stockings are stored away.

"I'm delighted and excited about the possibilities of what we will be able to do to help our community," said Salvation Army Maj. Cherry Craddock.

Money leftover after the Christmas bills are paid will help families in need pay a utility bill or the rent. Or, it could go to buy medicine or food.

"It will also help us pay our own rent, utilities and employees so that we can provide services to those in need," said Maj. David Craddock.

If enough extra donations come in through the Empty Stocking Fund and the Kettle Campaign, the Craddocks would like to upgrade computer equipment for their bookkeeper and social worker.

"Our computers are ancient," David Craddock said. "An update to our equipment will help us do a better job to help those in need."

The old system won't connect to the Salvation Army Database, Cherry Craddock said. A new computer system would allow the social worker to tap into the database to see what assistance is available. And the social worker would also be able to communicate easier with other helping agencies in Cleveland County, she added.

The Craddocks are filled with hope as they think about the future mission of The Salvation Army in Shelby. They give a heart-felt thank you to everyone who has supported their work here.

"It's our last Christmas and we are going out on a positive note," Cherry Craddock said. "It is just joyous. We have such possibilities.

"We are going to be able to serve Shelby better than we have been. It is a great end. We can leave knowing that we have done our best and the community has supported us," she said.